Examination Practice Questions And Correct

Australian Farriers & Blacksmiths Association (AFBA) Certified Tradesman Farrier Examination Practice Questions And Correct Answers (Verified Answers) Plus Rationales 2026 Q&A | Instant Download Pdf

• What is the primary purpose of a horse’s hoof wall?
• Cushion impact on hard surfaces
• Support weight and protect internal structures
• Absorb nutrients from the ground
• Store energy for movement

Rationale: The hoof wall primarily supports the horse's weight and

protects internal structures like the coffin bone and sensitive laminae.

• Which part of the hoof contains the blood vessels and nerves?
• Hoof wall
• Sole 1 / 4

• Frog
• Laminae

Rationale: The laminae are vascularized and innervated, connecting

the hoof wall to the coffin bone and providing sensation and blood flow.

• What is the ideal angle of the front hoof relative to the ground for a

riding horse?

A. 45°

B. 50°

C. 55°

D. 55–60°

Rationale: The front hoof angle is generally around 55–60° for

balance and optimal weight distribution in riding horses.

• Which tool is primarily used to remove excess hoof wall?
• Rasp
• Clinch cutter
• Nippers
• Hammer

Rationale: Nippers are used to trim the hoof wall to the desired

length before rasping and shaping.

• What is the purpose of the frog in a horse’s hoof?
• Provide traction only
• Absorb shock and assist circulation 2 / 4

• Connect hoof wall to laminae
• Absorb shock and aid blood circulation

Rationale: The frog acts as a shock absorber and helps pump blood

back up the leg during movement.

• What is a common sign of laminitis?
• Overgrown hoof wall
• Cracks in the heel
• Sinking or rotation of the coffin bone
• Thrush in the frog

Rationale: Laminitis involves inflammation of the laminae, which can

cause the coffin bone to rotate or sink.

• Which part of the hoof is trimmed to prevent thrush?
• Hoof wall
• White line
• Frog
• Sole edge

Rationale: Thrush affects the frog; keeping it clean and properly

trimmed prevents infection.

• What is the purpose of hot shoeing?
• Glue shoes to hooves
• Ensure proper fit and shape of the shoe
• Increase shoe strength
• Sterilize the shoe 3 / 4

Rationale: Hot shoeing allows the farrier to shape the shoe precisely

to the hoof, ensuring optimal fit and function.

• How often should a typical riding horse’s hooves be trimmed?
• Every 2–3 weeks
• Every 3–4 months
• Every 4–6 weeks
• Once a year

Rationale: Trimming every 4–6 weeks maintains proper hoof balance

and prevents overgrowth.

• Which shoe type is best for horses with thin soles?
• Flat steel shoe
• Fullered or padded shoe
• Aluminum racing shoe
• Clip-on shoes

Rationale: Padded or fullered shoes protect the sole and provide

comfort for horses with thin soles.

• What is the main function of the white line?
• Produce hoof wall
• Bond the hoof wall to the sole
• Absorb shock
• Promote blood flow

Rationale: The white line is the junction between the sole and hoof

wall, providing structural integrity.

• / 4